Get Some Sleep!

I am finding out that there are more benefits to a good night's sleep than I originally thought and that a lack of sleep can affect you in a lot more ways that just making you feel tired the next morning. Lack of sleep can impact your weight loss progress and/or even cause you to gain weight. A lack of sleep can lead to hormone imbalances including those that may affect you metabolism. Since I've started back to work I've only been averaging about 5-6 hours of sleep at night, which according to WebMD is a recipe for disaster when it comes to my weight loss goals. The scarey thing is, next week I start the final class I need to earn my Early Childhood Certification, which will only lead to even less sleep between now and Christmas.

According the WebMD.com website and the author or Beauty Sleep, Micheal Breus who is also a PhD and the clinical director for Arrowhead Health's sleep division in Glendale, Arizona 7.5 hours is the average for a healthy night's sleep. Which meant I was in trouble seeing as how that is about 3.5 more hours of sleep than I typically get once everything is in full swing during the school year.

So other than being tired and cranky all day what's so bad about not getting enough sleep? First of all, getting a good night's sleep allows your body to recharge and heal itself. It's also necessary maintain your body chemistry. Not getting enough hours of sleep can through off your hormone balance. Causing you to eat more to try to keep your body going when it hasn't had enough recharge. This imbalance also eventually leads to a slower metabolism, but it's not enough to just get a full nights sleep it has to be quality sleep. Seven to Eight hours of disrupted sleep doesn't really help either.

What can you do to make sure you get enough quality sleep? Plan you workouts so that they don't affect your ability to fall asleep. Avoid stimulants (like caffeine) in the late afternoon, they can keep your body from entering the deeper levels of sleep at nigh, and avoid big meals before bed time that can cause heartburn.

If you are eating healthy meals throughout the day, getting enough physical activity in during the day, and avoiding the things you should before bedtime and you're still having trouble sleeping. You may want to check with a sleep specialist.


http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/lack-of-sleep-weight-gain